Forrest Clingerman

Forrest John Clingerman (1972–2024) was an American academic and author. He was a professor of philosophy and religion at Ohio Northern University, where he also served as the director of the honors program. Clingerman was a significant figure in Environmental Hermeneutics. He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, and educated at Deerfield Academy, Augustana College, Boston University, and the University of Iowa, where he completed his PhD in Modern Religious Thought in 2005. Clingerman co-edited influential works such as "Interpreting Nature: The Emerging Field of Environmental Hermeneutics" and "Exploring Nature's Texture: Engaging Environments Through Visual Arts and Religion." His 2011 book, "Placing Nature on the Borders of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics," critiqued the worldview of "Lifeism." He died at his home in Ohio at the age of 52. Ohio Northern University established an honors course in his name to honor his legacy.